Economic recovery in Dordogne: “It’s an unprecedented situation,” temporary employment agencies in an uncertain period

In this turbulent political season, businesses are waiting on parliamentary decisions. As a result, temporary employment agencies in the Dordogne have no visibility into their business, which has already been struggling for several years.

Temporary employment has been steadily declining in France for more than two years. According to monthly data from the Directorate for Animation, Research, Studies and Statistics (Dares), the number of applicants fell from 811,000 in December 2022 to 705,000 in the last survey in May 2025. The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region recorded a loss of 700 workers during the same month.

These figures are reflected in the number of people using agencies in Périgueux. "We're still finding opportunities for low-skilled positions, but we're having more difficulty finding jobs in shortages," explains Justine Daisson, manager of Triangle Intérim, on Route de Lyon. "We're having trouble recruiting candidates, even for positions that aren't necessarily highly skilled," notes Olivier Moreau, director of Claudette Intérim, which has four agencies in the Dordogne.

Among the least popular job postings, positions for masons, joiners, carpenters, and roofers regularly pop up. "When we can't fill company orders, it's because there aren't any candidates with the necessary qualifications," explains Virginie Moncet, manager of the Manpower agency, located on Cours Saint-Georges.

In addition to the decline in the number of job applicants, companies are also less inclined to approach agencies. "Things have been quiet for us since the beginning of the year," explains Virginie Moncet. "We're seeing a slowdown in activity compared to last year." A finding shared by Justine Daisson of Triangle Intérim, an agency specializing in public works. "With the major crisis in the sector, the year has been very complicated," she laments.

“Companies don’t know what they’re going to get and that affects us.”

From then on, the company decided to diversify its activities. "We developed permanent placements," explains the manager. "We go out into the field to identify workers to whom we offer long-term contracts." In the highly competitive temporary employment sector, some are also opening up to other markets—such as healthcare—which are increasingly providing job offers.

Others are investing more than ever before in communication and representation. "We try to remain visible," says Virginie Moncet of Manpower. "It's interesting because it makes us work differently and we remain proactive."

At Claudette Intérim, Olivier Moreau notes: "After two years of suffering, we're looking at four to five months of improvement." It's difficult to plan for the start of the school year, especially given the current political situation. "Before the announcement of the vote of confidence requested by the Prime Minister, I would have told you: 'yes, business is picking up,' but now, we don't know," he adds.

"Companies don't know what they're going to get, and that affects us, the service providers," adds Virginie Moncet. Meanwhile, Justine Daisson of Triangle Intérim anticipates a quiet end to the year: "Companies are cautious and are probably waiting until 2026 to invest."